Project: Four of the world’s eight sea turtle species nest on beaches in Chiapas. All eight species are
endangered. Boca del Cielo is one of the 144 beaches in Mexico where sea turtles come to lay eggs. It is
also one of twenty-two beaches where these nests of eggs have a high risk of being poached. In an effort
to aid the survival of eggs and hatchling turtles, the Boca del Cielo Turtle Sanctuary collects eggs year
round and reburies them on their grounds for safe-keeping. When the hatchlings emerge, they are
gathered and released together under protection of sanctuary staff. The sanctuary is open to visitors and
provides information about sea turtles and the protection and preservation work that is performed. The
project is supported by the Institute of Environment and Natural History of the state of Chiapas and seeks
to actively involve the local community, students, scientists, and volunteers. The goal of this project is to
further support the protection of sea turtles through the collaborative efforts of international volunteers
and take part a global movement to understand and preserve the health and biodiversity of our oceans.
Work: Volunteers will work with the staff of the turtle sanctuary, local volunteers, and biologists to patrol
the beach, excavate and collect eggs, rebury them at the sanctuary, and assist in the care and release of
hatchling turtles. Most of this work will take place at night so volunteers may have an adjusted sleep
schedule. Volunteers will also assist in the collection of statistical information about the turtles such as
counts of nests, eggs, and released turtles. Extra activities may include maintenance and/or improvement
of sanctuary facilities. While in Boca del Cielo, volunteers will share time, work, and fun with local people.
Camp leaders will facilitate activities and outings where volunteers will have the opportunity get to know
the people, places, and culture that surrounds them.
Volunteers will also create a video and a photographic diary of the Turtles workcamp. Volunteers will
publish these in a website, creating visibility and an impact through social networks. Videos and pictures
will be also broadcasted and published by local media, to raise awareness among the population of the
State of Chiapas regarding Sea Turtles and the importance of preserving this endangered species.
On the first day of the workcamp, volunteers will be welcomed at the Natate office in San Cristobal de las
Casas, Chiapas. They will be given an orientation and will stay in shared rooms in a convivial hostel in San
Cristobal de las Casas, located five minutes walking distance from the Natate office and ten minutes from
the historic city centre. They will have access to all basic facilities, including kitchen and bathrooms. The
second day, volunteers will depart for a morning boat trip into the spectacular Sumidero Canyon, followed
by a visit to the ZooMat zoological park of Tuxtla Gutierrez. In the afternoon, the group will travel to Boca
del Cielo and set up camp at the turtle sanctuary.
Accommodation: Camping on the grounds of the Boca del Cielo Turtle Sanctuary. Please bring your
own tent (optional), sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and other camp comforts you may have. Bathrooms,
showers, and kitchen facilities will be available. Be prepared for hand washing your own clothes. Try to be
environmentally friendly as possible and use resources with care and modesty, especially because your
behaviour is part of the project ;)
Location: Boca del Cielo, Chiapas; 4 hours from San Cristobal de las Casas.
Language: English is the most common language used in workcamps, however, being able to
communicate in Spanish can be very useful. Taking the opportunity to learn or improve your Spanish while
here, will greatly enrich your experience!
Comment: You are invited to join the Intensive Spanish Week Program for Volunteers, or also a Mayan
Language Week Program if you are a Spanish speaker and you would like to discover the richness of the
Mayan living culture. The courses take place a week before your workcamp.
Terminal: The closest international airport: Angel Albino Corzo, Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas (TGZ). Bus
Terminal: OCC San Cristobal de las Casas.
Extra-fee: Since we do not receive funds to support your participation in the camp, you are asked to
contribute 2,950 Mexican pesos (170 euros aprox.). It includes accommodation, food, administrative
costs, transportation within the project, and some extra activities. The fee has to be paid by volunteers to
campleader or to Natate’s Workcamps Coordinator upon arrival to the meeting point.